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Viewpoint · Omihachiman, Shiga
Mount Hachiman
A 271-meter hill in central Omihachiman, reached by ropeway, with the ruins of Toyotomi Hidetsugu’s castle, Zuiryu-ji temple and views of Lake Biwa, the canal and the Omi plain.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Mount Hachiman in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Mount Hachiman
Mount Hachiman rises just behind Himure Hachimangu shrine in Omihachiman’s historic center. At the summit, 271 meters high, Toyotomi Hidetsugu built Hachiman-yama Castle in 1585; it was abandoned ten years later when he fell from favor. Remains of stone walls and terraces can be followed on trails along the ridge.
The ropeway climbs from the foot of the hill in about 4 minutes. At the top, on the former main courtyard of the castle, stands Zuiryu-ji, a Buddhist temple founded by Hidetsugu’s mother in Kyoto to pray for him and moved here in 1961. It is a nunnery with ties to the imperial family, featuring simple wooden halls.
From the summit, viewpoints face different directions: Lake Biwa and the Nishinoko lagoon with its reeds to the north; the town, canal and rice fields of the Omi plain to the south; and on clear days the mountains across the lake. A circular path of about 30 minutes links the points.
Descent can be by ropeway or on foot via a trail of about 30 minutes down to the shrine. In spring, cherry trees and azaleas on the hill usually bloom between April and May, and in autumn the maple leaves change color in November.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour, including the ropeway and the summit circuit.
Best time
On clear days, in the morning or afternoon. In early April and in November the vegetation adds color to the view. The ropeway may suspend service in strong winds; check times.
How to get there
The ropeway station is behind Himure Hachimangu shrine, a few minutes’ walk from the Hachiman-bori canal.
Tip
Do the full ridge circuit to see the lake and the town. Descend on foot if you want to see the castle’s stone walls on the slope.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mount Hachiman
How do you get up Mount Hachiman?
By cable car, about 4 minutes, from the station behind Himure Hachimangu shrine. There is also a walking trail.
What is there to see on top of Mount Hachiman?
The ruins of Toyotomi Hidetsugu’s castle, Zuiryu-ji temple and viewpoints over Lake Biwa and the town.
How long does a visit to Mount Hachiman take?
About 1 hour, including the cable car and the summit circuit.
Can you see Lake Biwa from Mount Hachiman?
Yes, from the north viewpoint, along with Nishinoko pond and the reed beds.
Beyond the guide
